Springing for railway trucks



May 26, 1942. l. M. 'rl-mmlartrasv I SPRINGING FOR RAILWAY TRUCKS Filed Feb. 27, 1940 :s sheets-sheet: 2

- INVENTOR; aac M Chambers,t

WITNESSES:

A TTORNEYS.

May 26, 1942 l. M. CHAMBERS 4 2,283,971

SPRINGING- FOR RAILWAY TRUCKS Filed Feb. 27, 1940 '3 sheets-sheet `a WITNESSESZ l 551 INVENTOR: 23" Isaac Mambers,

@www Y y By' M l l 4`ATTORNEYS.

Patented May 26, 1942 eine Application February 27.19240, semaine. 321,009

16 Claims.

This invention relates to railway trucks and the like, 4and especially to springing suitable for bolster typev trucks. An important aim of the invention is to provide a wider range of elasticity without necessity for making trucks larger (ci. los-197) than usual. The invention permits of a soit,

`yielding spring action for light loads, combinedy with a stier action for heavy or maximum loads. In suitable forms of embodiment, the invention allows of easy adjustment or replacement to take care of wear. The spring rigging can be made simple and rugged, and especially accessible for inspection or repair. Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description oi species or forms of embodiment,and from the drawings. All the features and combinations illustrated or ,described are of my invention,` so far as novel. A I

In the drawings, Fig. l is a plan View of one side of a railway truck conveniently embodying the invention, including the corresponding side frame and bolster end, certain parts being partly broken away or in section; Fig. 2 is a side view of the truck, certain parts being partly broken. away; Fig. 3 shows a. transverse section through the truck, taken as indicated by the line and arrows III-III in Fig. 2, on a larger lscale and with one of the parts partly broken away; Fig. 4 shows a transverse section taken as indicated by the line and arrows IV-IV in Fig. 2; and Fig. 5

shows a section taken as indicated by the line and arrows Vi-V in Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary transverse section corresponding to Fig. 3, but taken as indicated by the line and arrows VI-VI in Fig. 7 (omitting certain parts), and illustrating a modification; Fig. 'l shows a fragmentary longitudinal section through the side frame, taken as indicated by the line and arrows VII-VII in Fig. 6; andFig. 8 shows a horizontal section through the side frame and bolster, taken as indicated by the line and arrows VIII-VIII in Fig. 6.

The drawings show only one side of the truck,

- in the upper part of which the end of the bolster I I is engaged and guided for up and down movement relative to the frame. As shown in Fig. 1,

the bolster end has vertical stop anges i6, iS which engage and coaet with the usual guideways Il, l'i at opposite sides of the window opening IB to determine the longitudinal position of the. bolster Ii in the window It, and to keep the side frame l@ truly upright.

Instead of helical springs or elliptic type leafsprings arranged in the window openings it under the ends of the bolster il, as is usual, I employ torsional springs 2Q whose size and ca pacity need not be limited by the restricted dimensions of the window-space. Such torsion springs 2i! may be arranged lengthwise of the truckv alongside the side-frames HLpreferably at the outer side of the latter, as illustrated in Figs. 1 andv 2. With this arrangement, springs. 20 in the formv of simple torsion bars or rods aiord ample strength and elasticity, since the whole length of the side frame IB is available to accommodate and mount them.

As shown in Fig. 1, the spring 2t consists of' a long torsion member having its ends anchored to the ends of the side-frame iii outside of or beyond the axle-box housings i 2, i2, as by means of cross heads 2i each of whosevarms extends between lugs 22, 22 on the corresponding end of the side-frame lo and is securedthereto by means such as a pin 23, while the mid-portion of the member 2li is connected to the end of the bolster il, at; in, or through the window i6. For this purpose, there is shown in Figs. 2 and 3 a crank-arm 25 whose hub 26 surrounds and is keyed to the mid-portion of the torsion member 20, and whose free end 2% engages under or in the end of the bolster il. Thus the two ends of the torsion meinber 2@ are oppositely'twisted under the load of the bolster ii. Bearing may be provided on the side-frame l@ for sustaining the mid-portion of the torsion member E@ against defiecting downward under the bolster load, as by means of bearing brackets Sd, @d projecting outward fromthe frame at either side of the crank-arm 25. For this purpose, as shown in Fig. 2g, the crank-arm hubd has (hollow) trunnions 3i, 3l journalled in the bearing brackets 3d, 3d. .In the present instance, the anti-turning or torque-transmitting connection of the member 2t to the crank 25 is made Adirectly to the crank-hub 26, by means of splines 32 on an enlarged portion of the membertl, which en-y gage in corresponding internal keyways or grooves inside the hub, so that the crank trunnions'ti, 3i do not transmit the torque'atA all, but merely serve to sustain the middle of the member '2a. As shown in Fig. 4, the outer ends divided into sections 35, 35 as indicated in Fig. 2:

however, these sections 35, 35 are coupled together lso as to be practically one member by their anti-turning engagement in the hub 26. The internal bores of the trunnions 3|, 3l are preferably large enough to clear the splines on the ends of the torsion-rod sections 35, 35 easily when the parts are assembled or disassembled. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the crank arm 25 has a renewable wear-block 36, cylindrically rounded about an exis fore-and aft of the truck,- and the end of the bolster II has a coacting renewable wear-block 31, somewhat similarly rounded. As

shown in Figs. 2 and 3, each of the bearing brackets 30 has an upper foot portion 38 that bears against a corresponding pad on the top member 4`|1 of the side frame I0,`and is bolted thereto at 4I, and also has a lower base portion 42 that extends into thebolster window I4 and is bolted to the bottom member 43 of the frame I at 44, 44.

Inthe present instance, there is an additional torsion spring member 50 alongside the side frame I 0, below the member 20, which also serves for resiliently sustaining Ithe bolster II. 'I'he ends of this member 56 may be anchoredto the side frame I0 inside of or between the axle-box jaws or housings I2, I 2e instead of beyond them as-in the case of the member 26. Otherwise, the

anchorages and other features pertaining to these rods50 are the same as described for the rods 20, and are markedwith the same reference numerals,'with the addition of a distinctive letter. The torsion members 50 act in parallel with the members 26 in sustaining the load of the bolster II. As shown in Fig. 3, however, the torsion members 56 do not come into action concurrently with the members 20, i. e., under 'the lighter loads, but only under comparatively heavy loads. Thus thespring 50 and its crank 24a have a resilient buffer action when the spring 2'6 yields suiiiciently to let the bolster block 31a indeed, this member 20 really leaves no room for the usual lid hinges. I have obviated this difflculty, however,by locating each hinge pivot 63 above the housing I2 (Figs. 2 and 5) on a bracket 54 projecting (upward and forward, Figs. 4 and 5) from the frame l0, or, properly speaking, from the top of its housing portion, and providing the lid 52 with hinge straps -55 at either side of the bracket 54. As shown, the lid is also provided with a stop-spring 56 whose curved upper free end 51 wipes past a projecting corner or ridge 56 on the hinge bracket 54 when the lid is opened or closed, and thus serves'to hold the lid either tight shut or wide open. A p

As. will be apparent from Fig. 3, changing the blocks 36, 31 and 36a, 31a offers an easy means of adjusting the relative action of the` springs and 50, so that they shall either act concurrently or successively, in any desired sequential relation to one another. Indeed the'spring 26 might readily be made to come into action after the spring 50, if this were desired for any reason. Changing these blocks 36, 31 and 36a, 31a also alfords a convenient means ofadjusting coupler height for wheel and axle bearing wear. 'I'he profiles ofthe blocks 36, 31 and 36a, 31a can be designed to compensate for the angular shiftpf the crank arms 25, a, so as to maintain the engage the crank-arm block 36a. Hence when the bolster II is in its position of partial downward deflection under a light load, as in Fig. 3, and the member 26 is correspondingly stressed through the arm 25, the bearing blocks 36a and 31a that pertain to the arm 25a and to the niember 66 are not yet in contact with one another. Thus when the load -on the bolster I I is light, it is sustained by the spring 26 alone.' which yields sufficiently to give easy riding; while when the load on the bolster II is heavy, it is cumulatively sustained by the spring acting in parallel with the spring 20, so that a stiifer resistance is offered, to prevent excessive deection.v Moreover, the spring 56 may itself be made stiffer than the spring 20, if desired, so as to oier greater resistance in proportion tothe deilection it underg'oes. than the spring 50.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 5, the torsion member 20 extends along Just above the axle box housings I2, I2, where it would interfere with opening the housing lids l52 if therlatter were hinged Or, again, the spring 26 might be stiffer' at the top of the housings in the usual manner:

leverage on the spring members 20, 5D substantially constant. Moreover, the spring rates of deflection can readily be changedby changing the spring-bar sections. Or one of the spring bar sections 35, 35 and/or 35a, 35a shown in Fig.- 2

might be omitted, in order to obtain softer spring Figs. 6-8 illustrate a modification of the parts involved in the interaction of. the bolster with the crank arms; features corresponding to those in Figs, 1-5 being designated by the same reference numerals, with a distinctive letter added, in order to dispense with repetitive description. As shown in Fig. 6, each of the crank-arms 26h, 25c has an anti-frictionroller 60 resting on a -Wear-plate' or seat 36h whose surface is cylindrically concaved about a fore-and-aft axis, and to a relatively large radius. The roller 66 may be secured against accidental displacement by an axial rod 6I whose ends project through slots 62 in upstanding flanges 63 on the arms 25h, 25c, at opposite ends of. the seat 36h. As shown.' there are small rollers 64 in the slots 62, secured by heads on the ends of the rod 6I. Each roller 60 coacts with a corresponding wear-plate 66 or 61 on the bolster IIb. As shown in Fig. '1, each wear-plate 66, 61. is cylindrically rounded to a considerable radius about a transverse axis, so

that it may rock fore-and-aft-with the similar rocking of the truck frame Ib due to rail joints,

cross-overs, and other track irregularities. Thus each roller 66 is always in complete fore-and-aft line-contact with the corresponding plate 66 or 61. As the roller 60 of 'the lower crank-arm 25c is not always in contact with its wear-plate 61 to hold this plate in'position, provision is made for holding said plate against the bolster IIb independently of the roller. For this purpose, pins 10 (whose heads are accommodated in countersinks) extend up through the plate 61 and the lower bolster wall 1I, and are held up by an upward-bowed leaf spring 12, (through which they extend) acting against Cotter-pins 13 inserted through the upper ends of said pins 10.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a-truck of the character described, the combination with a side frame having provision sion spring.

for mounting the truck axles and wheels, and also provided with lateral bearing and anchorage brackets at a substantial distance apart, and a load-sustaining bolster associated with said side frame and movable up and down relative thereto, of a longitudinal elastic torsion member mounted alongside said side frame in its said bearing and anchorage brackets, and anchored by the latter against turning, and a crank attached to said torsion member adjacent the side frame bearing bracket, for connecting said torsion member to the bolster, whereby the load on the bolster is elastically transmitted to the side frame through said torsion member. v

2. In a truck cf the character described, thc combination with a side frame having provision A whereby the load on the bolster is elastically attached to the bottom side frame member, a longitudinal elastic torsion member alongside said side frame, rotatably supported by said bearing bracket, a crank attached to Vsaid torsion memberv adjacent said bracket and arranged t'o engage the bolster to sustain the same, and anchorage means for said torsion member attached to the side frame at a substantial distance from said crank, whereby the load on the bolster is elastically transmitted to the side frame through said torsion member.

7; In a truck of the character described, the combination-with a side frame having provision for mounting the truck axles and wheels, and also a 'window opening, and a loadg-sustaining bolster associated with said side frame' and movable up and down relative thereto at said window opening, of bearing brackets extending outward from said side frame at said window opening, a crank between said bearing brackets having trunnions rotatable in said bearing brackets and :itself extending into said window opening to entransmitted to the side frame through said tor- 3. In a truck of the character described, the

combination with a sideframe having provisionmember to the side frame, whereby the load on the bolster is elastically transmitted to the side frame through said torsion member.

4. In a truck of the character described, the

combination witha side frame having an axle lbox housing, and a load-sustaining bolster associated with said side frameand movable up and down relative thereto, of a longitudinal elastic torsion member extending along the outside of said side frame and having an end anchored to said frame at the side of said axle box housing remote from said bolster, bearing means for said torsion member on the side frame adjacent said bolster, and a crank attached to said torsion member adjacent said bearing means, for en. 'gaging and sustaining said bolster, whereby the load on the bolster is elastically transmitted to the side frame through said torsion member.

5. The invention as set forth in claim 4 further comprising a bracket on the side frame extaclred to the side frame at a substantial distance tending outward above the torsion member, a

cover for the axle box housing, and a hanger. for said cover extending upward, therefrom outside the torsion member, and pivoted to said bracket above said member. l

6. In a truck of the character described, the

' combination with a side frame having provision tached to the top side'irame member and also extending into the window below the bolster and gage the bolster to sustain the same, longitudinal elasticv torsion members along the outer side ,of said side frame connected to said crank at their adjacent ends, and anchorage means for the outer ends of said torsion bars attached to the side frame, whereby the load on the bolster is'elas tically transmitted to the side frame through said torsion members.

8. In a truck. of the character described, the combination with a side `frame having provision for mounting the truck axles and wheels, and also having a window'opening; and a load sus' taining bolster movable up and down relative to said side frame in said window opening, of supporting brackets on the outer side of said side frame, at either side of its said window opening, equipped with removable. bearings; a crank between said brackets having trunnions .resting and rotatable in said bearings, and itself extending into said window opening to engage the bolster tosustain the same; a longitudinal elastic torsion 'member extending along the outside `of .said side frame through vsaid crank and its trun-y nions, and anti-turningly engaged in said crank; and anchorage means for said torsion memberatfrom said crank, whereby the load on the bolster is elastically transmitted to. the side frame` yof a longitudinal elastic torsion member alongside said side frame, bearing means for said torsion member on the side frame ladjacent said bolster, a crank attached lto said torsion member adjacent said bearing means and extending beneath a portion of the bolster to sustain the same, an anti-friction roller ymounted on said crank to roll and shift transversely of the truck, a bearing block interposed betweenV the bolster` and said roller, with capacity for rocking fore and aft of the'side frame relative t0. the bolster, and anchorage means for said torsion member attached to the side frame at a substantial distance from said crankwhereby the load-on the bolster is elastically transmitted to the side frame through said torsionl member.

l0. In a truck of the character described,the

4combination'with a side frame having provision for mounting thetruckvaxles and wheels, and a s load-sustaining bo1ster associated with said side aaeaevi extending lengthwise of the side frame outside the same, one above another, and anchored to l said side frame, against turning, at opposite ends carried by said side frame -for engaging the bolster after substantial torsion of said torsionmemf ber, and thus coacting with said torsion member in ,transmitting the load on the bolster to the side-frame. f ll. In a truck of the character described,v the combination with a side. frame having provision for mounting the truck axles and wheels,l and also l having a window opening, and a load-sustaining bolster associated with said side frame and movable up and down relative thereto in said window opening; of a longitudinal elastic torsion member extending along the outside of said side frame; a.

crank attached to said torsion member and ex member in transmitting the load on the bolsterl to the side frame.

12. In a truck of. the character described the combination with a side' frame having provision for mounting the truck axles and wheels, and a load-sustaining bolster associated with said side frame and movable up and down ielative thereto, of torsion springs extending lengthwise of the truck, one above the other, and both anchored to said side frame a ainst turning, and means for connecting said to sion springs to the bolster at substantial distances from their anchorages to the side frame, whereby the load on thebolster is elastically transmitted to the side frame through said torsion springs, .the connecting means for one of said torsion springs beingarranged to come into action only after substantial torsion of the other torsion spring.

13. In a truck of the character described, the combination with a side frame having provision for mounting the truck axles and wheels, and

ialso having a window opening, and a load-sustaining bolster associated with said side frame and movable up and down relative thereto at said window opening, of elastic torsion members of said frame, and crank arms attached to the mid-portions of said-torsion members extending into said window opening to engage the bolster vand sustain the same, whereby the load on the bolster is elastically transmitted to the side frame through said torsion members.

14. In a truck of the character described, the combination with a side frame having axle mounting means, and a load-sustaining bolster associated with said side frame and movable up rand down relative thereto, ofelastic torsion members extending lengthwiseof the side frame one above another, means for anchoring the ends of the upper torsion member to said side frame beyond said axle mounting means, means for anchoring the ends of a lower torsion member to said side -irame between said axle mounting means, and cranks attached to the intermediate portions of said torsion members and arranged to engage the bolster to sustain the same, whereby the 10aa sn the buster is ensuoaiiy transmitted to the side frame throughsaid torsion members.

15. In a truck of the character described, the combination with a side frame having provision for mounting the truck axles and wheels, and also having a window opening, and a load-sustaining bolster movable up and down relative to said side frame, of a longitudinal elastic torsionmember extending along the outside of saidA side frame and anchored to said side frame against turning. and means extending inward-from said torsion member into position for engaging the bolster at a substantial distance from the vanchorage o f said torsion member to the side frame, said means comprising a crank armlsecured to said torsion member adjacent said window opening, whereby the load on the bolster is elastically transmitted to the side frame through said torsion member.

. 16. In a truck of the character described, the

combination with a side frame having provision bolster is elastically transmitted to the side frame member.

through said torsion ISAAC M. CHAMBERS. 

